Gastric bypass surgery often referred to as bariatric surgery or a surgeon performs Roux-en-Y bypass surgery. The surgeon creates a pouch at the top section of the stomach then adds a bypass around the stomach to the small
intestines.The surgeon staples the top section of the stomach to seal it off from the other part of the stomach creating the new pouch for the stomach that will only allow for a few ounces of food or liquid. The new pouch is completely separate from the original stomach, attached to the small intestines with a small incision, and sewed to the new stomach.
The bariatric surgery changes the original anatomy of the digestive tract to limit the consumption of food to lead to drastic weight loss for people suffering for obesity. This form of surgery is the preferred method of gastric surgery due to the limited risks and side effects for the patient.
Bariatric surgery does require a new diet and lifestyle habit of the individuals undergoing the procedure, as they will need to learn healthier habits as well as behavioral changes to maintain an increased overall health.The surgery is performed with a laparoscope that is a small instrument with a camera. It is inserted into the stomach region reducing the recovery time and hospitalization for the procedure. The healing time is considerably reduced as well as the scarring from the surgery. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia allowing the patient to sleep during the procedure.
During the surgery, a tube is inserted through the patient’s nose into the upper stomach region. The tube is connected to a machine to remove the contents to help the staple line to heal properly. A second tube is inserted into the stomach region and is in place up to six weeks after surgery for healing purposes. Generally, the surgery will take about four hours to perform. The duration of the hospital stay is contingent on the healing of each individual and the surgeon.
After surgery, you will not be allowed to consume any food for about three says to allow your stomach to heal. Afterwards, you will have to follow a strict diet for 12 weeks of liquids, soft and pureed food, then progressing onto normal foods. This is the time for your stomach to recover from surgery.